Marvel: Alchemist

Chapter 10: The Eternal Empire

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Spring 1979 – New York City

A decade had passed, and the world had changed, but my reign remained unchallenged. Golden Enterprise had expanded into every conceivable industry—technology, pharmaceuticals, security, and energy. My rivals had been crushed, bought out, or left clinging to scraps. With my wealth surpassing $50 billion, I was no longer just a businessman. I was a king in all but name.

Yet, power alone wasn't enough. Time was the greatest enemy of all, and I refused to be shackled by it.

And so, I created the Elixir of Life.

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The Key to Immortality

Alchemy had granted me many secrets, but none as profound as the ability to extend life. Through years of research, experimentation, and refinement, I had developed an elixir capable of halting the aging process. Different tiers existed:

10 years – The common version, available to the elite under strict conditions.

20 years – Given to key allies, corporate executives, and trusted individuals.

50 years – Reserved for politicians and high-ranking officials under my influence.

100 years – Granted only to the most loyal and irreplaceable assets.

200 years – Offered only to those who had proven themselves beyond measure.

500 years – Exclusive to my family alone.

The elixir wasn't just a commodity—it was control. Those who received it owed me their continued existence, and in return, they became instruments of my will.

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A Man in the Council

Politics had always been a dangerous game, but one I had mastered. Senators, governors, and even Supreme Court justices had found themselves in my debt, their campaigns fueled by my financial backing.

But my greatest achievement in this arena was securing the allegiance of a member of the World Security Council—a powerful figure without Hydra's grasping tendrils wrapped around him.

His name was Jonathan Caldwell, an old-school strategist who saw the shifting tides of power and knew where to place his bets.

"You're making enemies, Edward," Caldwell warned as we shared a private meeting in one of my secured penthouses.

I smirked, pouring him a glass of 30-year-old whiskey. "Enemies are inevitable. But allies… true allies are rare."

He accepted the drink, studying me with the sharp gaze of a man who had survived more than one political war. "And what makes you think I'm your true ally?"

"Because I offer something they never will," I said, setting a small vial of the 50-year elixir before him. "Loyalty is fleeting, but time? That's invaluable."

Caldwell took the vial, rolling it between his fingers before giving a slow nod. "You truly are dangerous, Edward."

"That's why you need me."

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The Shadow War

With every move I made, the old power structures fought back. Rival conglomerates, fueled by supernatural backers, sought to undermine me at every turn. Vampires, secret cabals, and ancient orders that had ruled from the shadows for centuries began to take notice.

A midnight attack on one of my pharmaceutical labs confirmed my suspicions. My security forces responded with lethal precision, but not before we captured one of the attackers.

Bound in reinforced chains, the creature snarled at me from the shadows of my interrogation chamber.

"You don't understand what you're interfering with, Lin," the vampire hissed, its fangs glistening under the dim lights.

I crouched before it, unshaken. "I understand more than you think. You and your kind have controlled humanity for long enough."

It chuckled darkly. "And you believe you can change that?"

I smiled, retrieving a silver dagger infused with alchemical runes. "I don't believe—I know."

The vampire's scream echoed through the chamber as I drove the blade into its chest, sealing its fate.

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The Future is Mine

With my influence in politics, control over life itself, and a growing military force under my command, my empire was secure. Yet, I knew this was only the beginning.

There were still greater forces at play. Mutants, gods, and ancient horrors that lurked beyond the veil of human understanding.

But I was ready.

I was no longer just Edward Lin, the businessman.

I was the architect of a new world order.

And nothing would stand in my way.